akarmalife studios

Fantastic experience: I've been an akarmalife member for almost 2 years now! The classes are fantastic with friendly, welcoming, and supportive teachers! Yoga with Roberta always brightens my day and Ben, Tash and Tom put you through your paces in the HIT classes! Akarmalife is a friendly studio with a community feel, a great studio to join if you've just moved to the area!

Fantastic experience: Great studio that offers everything to keep you moving and motivated. The team are always on hand to help with any questions and between them they have a huge amount of knowledge. A gem in the middle of Ampthill.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been a member here since they moved to Ampthill 7 years ago and Stuart and Olena have built a fantastic warm and friendly studio with a collection of excellent and knowledgeable instructors. I regularly have what I call muscle maintenance for back and shoulder issues with Stuart due to work issues. When I fractured my ankle and did severe ligament damage that resulted in 3 months of non weight bearing I turned to Stuart to literally get me back on my feet and former fitness. This is a fantastic community that does so much more than any other gym or fitness ever has.

Fantastic experience: Did a hatha class this morning with Stuart, great class.

Fantastic experience: This is the place to be if you like a yoga space that you don't feel judged, that is friendly warm and welcoming, brings out the best in you and honestly has the best yoga classes taught to you by the warmest loveliest people. Love it here ❤️

Fantastic experience: The Akarmalife Team work flawlessly, and their support is top notch.

Fantastic experience: I have been coming to akarmalife for a number of years. I originally started attending to rectify ongoing back issues I had been suffering from for a number of years. Building on a mix of release and strength classes my back issues have all but gone away. All the staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and classes are conducted in a positive approach conducive to making all feel welcome and included. I would have no hesitation recommending the team here although the music choice is often questionable ;-).

Fantastic experience: Such a welcoming and friendly space to get your exercise in. Numbers of users are capped per bookable time slot so the space is never too busy or overwhelming, the team are really knowledgeable and approachable and there is all the equipment you could ask for.

Fantastic experience: I was in excruciating pain for 9 months and couldn't walk my leg/back was that bad. I was passed from consultant to consultant as they struggled to understand what was wrong with me. I was finally told an 8 hour spinal operation was the answer. I wasn't convinced and heard that Stuart at Akarmalife might be able to help me. He immediately knew what was wrong with me (unlike all the private consultants) and told me I didn't need surgery and that he could mend me. He was spot on. I walked home from my first consultation pain free!!! He then set up a programme to permanently fix my back and keep it strong thereafter. Yesterday (a year later) I climbed to the summit of Scafell Pike in just 2 hours and then I fell ran all the way down! Stuart is a miracle worker!!!

Fantastic experience: A great studio with good range of equipment. The booking and PT apps are fantasic and the service/advice is super freindly and helpful.

Fantastic experience: Amazing studio with dedicated and knowledgable teachers :) Love the Hot Yoga with Hollie :)

Fantastic experience: I first met Stuart after suffering hip pain from running. By the time I saw him, it had sadly got to the point that I was unable run or even walk without being in pain. Following some challenging treatments for me (just feedback he said, and he was right ) good training advice and rehabilitation exercises I was back running within a few months. I was even able to complete the Great North Run, definitely a challenge both mentally and physically but a real personal achievement to which I am so grateful to him for. To complement my running, I also include yoga, strength and release. The benefits have been amazing, and I am now a stronger runner and relatively injury free. It’s been particularly challenging for everyone during lockdown but to be able to continue to train online with the team and all my akarmalife friends has been just great. I would like to thank all the teachers who provide a welcoming, happy and professional environment to train. So much knowledge in one place.

Fantastic experience: This is a brilliantly run yoga/pilates studio with an integrated approach to fitness, health and well-being. Great classes and a number of other therapy treatments are available.

Fantastic experience: After visiting Akarmalife just once, I was hooked. Everyone is so friendly, and with it being a more personalised experience (rather than the larger generic fitness centres) the teachers really get to know what works for you and are able to recommend other classes that may be of specific interest or benefit to you. They were great at getting me through an injury that was physically and emotionally difficult for me to manage. I was expertly advised on how to modify my practice and their massage therapy was invaluable. I feel I have made a personal connection to many of the teachers, who all bring their own individuality. The joy it has brought me has inspired me to go on my own teaching journey. I would definitely recommend giving them a go.

Fantastic experience: I started with Akarmalife in October 2019 after realising that I needed to sort out my flexibility to fix my knee issues. Not only are my knees better but I have stuck to yoga in a way that I've never, ever stuck to any exercise before. The teachers are all talented and kind: pushing where they can but have never made me feel inadequate. What they have done over lockdown has been amazing. I've felt part of a community like never before. I cannot recommend them enough.

Fantastic experience: Have been attending yoga classes here since the studio relocated to Ampthill and love the atmosphere and welcoming staff. Class tutors are extremely knowledgeable and supportive.

Fantastic experience: We have been attending courses for about 18months and they have all been excellent. Our instructor has been Natalie and she has alwsys gone the extra mile to ensure we get the most out of every class. We have been very impressed with the way Akarmalife have taken the covid challenge firmly by the horns and worked to deliver online during lockdown periods. Thanks

Fantastic experience: I love akarmalife! The team’s knowledge, energy and dedication is awesome. So is their compassionate and caring but deeply encouraging approach. That they are in a small town like Ampthill is far more than we could reasonably expect – normally you’d have to go to an expensive, top-flight studio in a big city to access such high levels of expertise. And always delivered in such a friendly and personable way, as they know us all individually, along with our little foibles and the injuries we may be carrying. If you’re unsure about anything, you only have to ask and you’ll always get an informed response. The wide range of classes offered, the frequent routine changes, and the personal training option means you’ll never get bored. I cannot recommend them enough!

Fantastic experience: I have been a member for about 4 years now, it has been a real lifeline during the last year, I have even increased my membership. Wide variety of classes and always changing and evolving. They are even offering free morning classes. The teachers are fantastic always full of beans and encouraging. They can still see the faces I make on Zoom and I am still in trouble. Would thoroughly recommend.

Fantastic experience: I've been attending classes at akarmalife for over three years now and can highly recommend them. All of the teachers are very professional whilst also being friendly and approachable and happy to answer any questions. There is a great community feel at akarmalife, which can also be clearly seen in everything they put out through their social media. I've been so grateful for the 5x weekly free 20 minute classes during lockdown. I always feel that classes at akarmalife have a very positive impact on my physical and mental wellbeing.

Fantastic experience: It’s not always easy to stay motivated to exercise but akarmalife movement studios must be one of the best places to encourage you to do so. There’s an individuality about the welcoming atmosphere and highly skilled, knowledgeable staff; clients are treated as individuals whose specific needs and goals are explored and supported. akarmalife is a dynamic environment driven by up-to-date learning about how our bodies move and a desire to pass this on in an accessible and inspiring way. Highly recommended!

Fantastic experience: Joined Akarmalife just prior to Lockdown with the hope of doing more Yoga, but having a bad case of Sciatica lead me to Stuart and the SRC. Not sure where I would be without him? His enthusiasm and knowledge have been most welcome and have given me more positivity that I can get back to some sort of fitness. The few classes that I have managed to attend have been excellent especially the release,rehab and mobilise class, which is actually quite entertaining, but most importantly very informative for an hour . Cheers Stuart and the team, keep up the good work !

Fantastic experience: I have been attending Akarmalife Studios for four years and have enjoyed and learnt so much from every class, 1:1 or workshop. I mostly attend Strength classes which are varied, energising (although not at the time!) and fun! I also attend Yoga and Release classes to ease my aching limbs after a run. All instructors are professional but encouraging and are always on hand with advice in and out of lessons. The 1:1s have enabled me to recover from running injuries faster and armed me with the tools to help me prevent injury in the first place. Would definitely recommend.

Fantastic experience: I have been a regular member of classes at Akarmalife for almost seven years and have now attended almost every style of class with every teacher. Each one has been delivered with an exceptional level of expertise alongside a sense of genuine inclusion, versatility and collaboration with class attendees. Teaching is structured around the latest science with many classes specifically written in-house. It is also non-directive and non-prescriptive. For every invitation to a movement or posture, there are a range of adaptions offered, to accommodate individual ability and range, with support throughout on how to progress or retreat. Emphasis is always placed on safe practice; learning to notice and understand our own bodies and how they exist, function and move within space. The opportunity is there to push yourself out of your comfort zone to achieve maximum fitness, to take something more gentle and meditative, or anything in-between. Above all, Akarmalife has that genuine family friendly feel. It is so much more than a gym or an exercise studio. It is a place of community, well-being and fun fun fun. I honestly cannot recommend them enough.

Fantastic experience: I love akarmalife studios and have been attending classes now for many years. All of the instructors are friendly and professional and certainly know their stuff. There is a great range of classes to suit everyone. The online classes have been an absolute lifesaver during lockdown. Other members are also a great bunch.

Fantastic experience: There is something special about this place that you have to experience! As soon as I walk through the door of this Studio I feel calmer. There is always someone to welcome you in and the whole place is set up for complete mind and body re-patterning. The classes are varied and the teachers all offer a different experience every time you come :) This studio has everything you need to love your body including an extensive therapy centre offering the widest range of treatments depending on what you need. I have had Tui Na massage, sports massage, hot stone, Reiki and Injury Rehabilitation at the new Strength and Rehab Centre. I cannot speak highly enough of this Centre, it really is the hidden gem in Bedfordshire!

Negative experience: I reluctantly write this as I rarely leave reviews but I feel so strongly about this that I had to leave my honest review of this place. I have attended classes at this studio twice now, different styles of yoga and with different instructors. Having felt very disapointed after how poor I believed the quality of my first class to be (couldn't really call it class - the instructor told us to sit down cross legged for the majority of the class as he showed us a range of very basic positions such as downward dog, then told us to copy him, then once we had held the position for a few minutes he would tell us to sit back down cross legged again whilst he demonstrated the next position, and repeat... I mean what? I have never been to a class so bizarre and disjointed as that, it was like yoga for toddlers), I decided to book another class as a birthday treat for myself, as it had been a while since I had been to this studio and I thought well surely it won't be as bad as that first class I went to. I was wrong. I signed up to a hatha class (my favourite - I'd also like to add I've been practicing yoga and meditation for several years now and was a part of the yoga and med society at my university, I've also attended various yoga events around the UK and Europe), only to be told at the beginning of the class that this was going to be a "calm" one... Wasn't sure what to expect from that... During the 1 hour class, that I paid £13 for, we held a total of 4 different positions including shavasana (so basically 3 positions), all laying down on the floor with a cushion... WHAT? How can you justify making people pay £13 for a hatha class only to get them to lie down for the whole thing?! We layed in shavasana for HALF AN HOUR - yes, I was looking at the clock! I was so shocked when leaving the class I had to call my friend to rant about it. I can't believe how poorly these classes are taught and how they get away with this. I don't doubt that the instructors are experinced professionals but I mean come on... what standard of teaching is that? Even someone who's never practiced yoga before would feel let down by such experiences as this. I will not be returning to this studio EVER again, I would have asked for my money back but I hate to complain, so I'm voicing my experiences to google instead. *Edit* for some reason I cannot respond to the owner's reply to my review so I'll write what I have to say here: I don't remember the names of either instructor I had for these classes and if I did I'm not going to publicly expose them here, but my first class was well over a year ago, so no it wasn't any time around lockdown of this year. I was so shocked and disappointed with that class [why I explained in my original review] that I have since never forgotten it! But some time had passed and I felt like triyng this studio out again. And yes, I am sure I didn't book into a yin/irest class my second time round, it was definitely hatha... I think I would know that... Even the yin classes I have attended at other studios have had more content to them. But 4 positions (including shavasana) in a hatha class, all laying down? That's not acceptable in my opinion especially if I'm paying £13. Like I said in my original review, I rarely leave reviews and I'm sure all the instructors are highly trained professionals, but both classes I attended were bad - so bad that I felt compelled to leave this review. That's either an unfortunate coincidence for me or there is an issue with the standard of teaching your instructors are providing - I would look into that. As a result of both these experiences, I will not be returning.

Fantastic experience: This yoga studio feels like a home away from home. All the teachers are very friendly and know their stuff. There are lots of different classes available and a mixture of teaching styles, so there something for everyone.

Fantastic experience: I've been going to tai chi and yoga classes with Akarmalife for two or three years now and the classes are great. Instructors are friendly and know their stuff - would definitely recommend!